Each issue we ask our featured artist 10 questions about what makes them tick...here are Janice's answers:

1) Where are you based?

I was born and bred in Edinburgh, Scotland where I still live with my youngest son (16) and my Bengal cat.


2) How long have you been making bears?

I'm a relative newcomer to the world of bear artistry as I've only been making bears for 2 years.....in fact this month marks my second anniversary at bear making. I'm thoroughly enjoying my journey through the bear making world, there's so many different styles of bears to make and soooo many different techniques I'm very keen to try out. Now that I've graduated from uni I've got a bit more time to do a bit more experimenting.......which I'm really looking forward to!!!


3) How did you find out about the craft/art of teddy bear making?

I've always collected bears in one form or another and one day I stumbled upon artist bears on a well known auction site (ebay).....I was hooked from that moment on!!! I've also always enjoyed doing craft work in one way or another for quite a number of years now, whether it be jewellery making, embroidery or card making so it seemed a natural progression to 'have a go' at making a bear. I can honestly say that of all the different crafts I've turned my hand to, bear making is by far the most enjoyable :O)

I paint miniature watercolour teddy bears and fairy bears, amongst other creatures, onto shrink plastic. Once the painting has been placed in the oven for a few minutes, it shrinks to around a quarter of it's original size (so that the finished painting is now around 1 inch tall!) whilst still retaining all the detail.The painting is then finished off with some of my 'trademark' sparkle!

My pictures can be purchased as miniature paintings to frame, or attached to gold thread to hang up and catch the light.  I can cater for all occasions and they may also be personalised if so desired.

Paintings are priced at £7.50 each plus postage. To order yours please contact Joanne - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Jennie Boylan is one of the best known and respected figures in the Perth bear making scene and has made an impact with her innovative store – The Teddy Tree. Opening its doors in 2001, the store has been a breath of fresh air in the bear making world and it isn’t hard to see why.

Recently relocated to the up and coming Mount Hawthorn precinct in Perth, The Teddy Tree is now conveniently located on public transport routes and within walking distance from some scrumptious cafes. Upon entering the store you are greeted with a newly designed layout that incorporates traditional bear making supplies of fur, fabrics and other such notions with the newly expanded gift lines range designed to suit all occasions. These two key areas in store leaves customers with never ending choices as to what project to embark upon or which gift to choose for a loved one. What ever your purpose is in store, there are plenty of friendly faces around to help with any difficult decisions and offer expert advice on all your bear making queries.

Owner Jennie is somewhat of a teddy expert having been creating bears and other creatures for the better part of 20 years. In this time Jennie has moved away from simply making traditional-style bears to utilising many new techniques. This includes her individual hand dyed mohair and using sculpting techniques to achieve highly individual creations.

The Teddy Tree offers a range of classes and workshops on a regular basis, the details for which can be found on the store website – www.teddytree.com.au. If you think it is about time you created an individualised cute and cuddly creature then do not delay your visit to The Teddy Tree a moment longer.

226 Scarborough Beach Rd

MT HAWTHORN  WA  6016

AUSTRALIA

Ph/Fax : + 61 (08) 9201 1011

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